PREM Rugby teams up with Mental Health UK

PREM Rugby and Mental Health UK have agreed a two-year national charity partnership.The partnership aims to tackle the root causes of poor mental health, raise vital funds, and use the power of rugby to create meaningful connections and conversations across the country.

The collaboration launches at a time when mental health challenges are affecting millions. New polling from YouGov, commissioned by Mental Health UK and PREM Rugby, shows 45% of UK adults report that they’ve struggled with their mental health in the last five years, affecting their lives at home, school or work. Alarmingly, only 1 in 4 UK adults say they feel equipped to handle life’s challenges. By combining Mental Health UK’s expertise with PREM Rugby’s platform and reach, the initiative will deliver targeted support and resources to raise awareness, build connections, and improve mental health outcomes.

The polling highlights that watching sport helps rugby fans feel connected to other people, with 21% of rugby fans agreeing with this statement compared to 12% of UK adults. Rugby fans are also more confident in supporting others with their mental health (29% of rugby fans compared to 25% of UK adults).

Nationwide, the polling shows that the picture is stark among 18–24-year-olds: half said they’ve struggled with their mental health in the last five years, and just 16% said they felt equipped to handle life’s challenges. One in four of these young people said they don’t always know where to turn when struggling with their mental health, and 43% said they often keep their feelings to themselves.

However, this age group also sees the potential of sport as part of the solution. Nearly 4 in 10 (39%) said they would like to be more active to support their wellbeing, and they were the most likely to say that taking part in sport or physical activity helps them feel more connected to others (23%).

Overall, just one third of adults agreed that they can access the support they need for their mental health to help them be the best version of themselves.

By joining forces, PREM Rugby and Mental Health UK are committed to empowering young people in rugby communities with the tools they need to enhance their mental health and wellbeing. The partnership also aims to raise vital funds to expand access to Mental Health UK’s programmes that offer invaluable support to young people.